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**1. Melt the Chocolate:**
Start by breaking the dark (or milk) chocolate into small pieces and placing it in a heatproof bowl. You can melt the chocolate using either a microwave or a double boiler.
– **Microwave Method:** Heat the chocolate in the microwave in short 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until completely melted and smooth.
– **Double Boiler Method:** Place the bowl of chocolate over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir frequently until the chocolate is completely melted.
**2. Whip the Cream:**
In a separate mixing bowl, pour the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, if using, and continue to whip until the cream holds firm peaks. Be careful not to overwhip.
**3. Combine Chocolate and Cream:**
Once the chocolate has cooled slightly but is still smooth and pourable, gently fold it into the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much, as you want to preserve the light, airy texture. Stir until the chocolate and cream are well combined into a smooth, silky mixture.
**5. Chill and Set:**
Spoon the dessert cream mixture into serving cups or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and for the flavors to meld together. This will give the dessert a firm but creamy texture.
### **Tips and Variations:**
– **Add More Texture:** If you want to enhance the crunchiness, you can add crushed hazelnuts or other nuts to the dessert cream.
– **Make It Extra Indulgent:** For an extra layer of indulgence, layer the chocolate cream mixture with crushed biscuits or cookie crumbs at the bottom of your serving glasses.
– **Use Milk Chocolate:** If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider using milk chocolate for the base of the dessert. It pairs wonderfully with the white chocolate in the Kinder Bueno.
– **Personalize the Flavor:** Experiment with different flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist on this already delightful dessert.